AMERICAN NAVY

Evening Star, Issue 19743, 19 December 1927, Page 5

AMERICAN NAVY

BUILDING PROGRAMME APPROVED BY PRESIDENT NO STIMULUS Tl) NAVAL COMPETITION. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, December 16. The Washington correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ .stales that when tho matter was under discussion at White House to-day President Coolidge approved of the naval programme sent to tips House of Representatives. _ It is also slated that under the operation of the Budget law Air Coolidge has given his approval to the project. ‘The Budget Bureau had asked the President whether the programme prepared by the Navy Department was in conflict with his financial policy, and Air Coolidge replied that it was not. It was further contended that the programme did not commit the United States to a movement that would stimulate comuetitivo building or strike a blow at the peace of the world. The President indicated that lie was for peace and limitation of armaments by international agreements. He believed that this is the sentiment of the country. and also that the country will favorably react to the proposed naval programme, OPPOSITION TO PROPOSALS. AMENDMENTS L) KKLY. NEW YORK, December 18. (Received December 19, at 9.45 a.m.) The Washington correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ says that, in the opinion of prominent Republican leaders in the Mouse of Representatives, who arc canvassing for sentiment, tho Administration’s naval programme will not he adopted by the House, ft is said that tho canvas indicates opposition to the indefiniteness of the plan and the suggestion that tho President ho empowered to suspend building in the event of a naval limitation conference. It is affirmed that the sentiment of the House favors the construction of twenty cruisers, four each year in a five-year programme. The aeroplane carrier recommendations, of the Navy Department arc agreeable to the prevailing opinion, hut opposition has developed to nine destroyer leaders. The House leaders are more interested in rounding out tho 'licet with auxiliary cruisers, and are not concerned with tho naval strength of other countries. They do not believe that the programme which is finally adopted by the House will cause foreign critics to say that tho programme was made public with the idea of forcing another naval limitation conference. it is understood that Mr Butler will move to have the Naval Bill amended, requiring the number of ships authorised and dropping the provision empowering the President to suspend construction in the event of a conference.